Abia Assembly Row: Labour Party Lawmakers in Turmoil Over Money Sharing Dispute

A serious confrontation reportedly broke out among members of the Labour Party (LP) caucus in the Abia State House of Assembly during a recent caucus meeting at Aba, sparking tensions that threaten to destabilize the legislature.

Sources revealed that the clash occurred amid disagreements over money said to have been disbursed by Governor Alex Otti as a token of appreciation following the swift passage of the N150 billion supplementary appropriation bill and the 2025 budget of N750.3 billion, titled “Budget of Sustained Momentum.” The governor reportedly sent an undisclosed sum to the LP lawmakers, triggering a heated debate on how the funds were to be shared.

According to insiders, the Majority Leader, Hon. Okoro Uchenna Kalu (Arochukwu Constituency), allegedly attacked his colleague, Hon. Akachukwu Ucheonye (Aba Central Constituency) — Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriation, Budget and Planning — with a beer bottle following a dispute over the division of the money. Ucheonye reportedly demanded a larger share, citing his committee’s pivotal role in the budget process. The disagreement escalated, resulting in Ucheonye sustaining a deep head injury and severe concussion.

The altercation allegedly took place during a caucus meeting at the residence of Hon. Fyne Ahuama (Osisioma Ngwa South Constituency) in Aba, where the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa, was also present. Sources claim the Speaker intervened by instructing attendees to keep the matter under wraps and not report it to the police.

Ucheonye was rushed to a private clinic for treatment and later discharged to join a state-sponsored delegation trip to London. The trip, which reportedly cost taxpayers nearly N1 billion, also suffered from internal strife as lawmakers accused the Speaker, Deputy Speaker Augustine Meregini, and Majority Leader Kalu of withholding part of the funds allocated for the trip. Hotel security was mobilized to manage another confrontation in London.

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Meanwhile, Hon. Akachukwu Ucheonye has publicly denied the claims of assault. In a statement issued on October 21, 2025, Ucheonye described the reports as “false, malicious, and a product of desperate mischief-makers.” He said no physical or verbal altercation occurred between him and Hon. Kalu or any other member, emphasizing that the House has maintained peace and unity since its inauguration. Ucheonye warned against spreading such falsehoods and urged the public to disregard the malicious reports.

Amid these conflicting narratives, discontent within the LP caucus reportedly persists, with some members allegedly preparing to move for the impeachment of the Speaker and principal officers upon return to Nigeria, citing misappropriation and misconduct.

This incident shines a harsh spotlight on internal party dynamics and governance challenges in Abia State’s legislature, raising questions about transparency, discipline, and accountability among elected representatives. The unfolding situation merits close observation as stakeholders seek to resolve the tensions and restore stability.